N3175/219

なし

Noun + なしNoun + なしでNoun + なしに

Meanings

  • without
  • no
  • lacking
  • absent

About this pattern

Explanation

なし is a noun that attaches to another noun to express the idea of absence or lack. It functions like an adjective meaning “without X” or “no X.” It can be used in concise or formal writing as a way to summarize absence, or in everyday speech in a similar sense. When used with で or に, なしで means “without doing/without the presence of” and なしに means “without [X]” in a slightly more formal, literary, or adverbial sense. It is typically used with concrete nouns (things you can have or not have).

Learn in context

Example sentences

経験なしで面接に臨む。

Go to the interview with no experience.

資金なしで旅をするのは難しい。

It's difficult to travel without funds.

許可なしに入るな。

Do not enter without permission.